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A nurse practitioner
is a registered nurse with specialized graduate education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for registered nurses are expected to grow 26 percent from 2010 until 2020. This translates to several people pursuing education to become nurse practitioners and because of this, there’s much competition when it comes to applying for positions in hospitals or private practices. Below are five interviewing tips to help set you apart from other applicants and increase your chances of being hired.

Tip One - Showcase Good Body Language

Sitting upright with your hands in your lap shows the interviewer stability and confidence. Both of these attributes are highly sought after in the healthcare field. Nervous mannerisms such as twittering your thumbs, biting your nails, tapping your foot or squeezing your hands translate badly in an interview. Practice the interview several times before actually attending it to assure yourself that you can display good body language and calm. It may help to take a deep breath in and exhale slowly a few times to relax before the interview. It may also help to avoid caffeine.

Tip Two - Keep Good Eye Contact and Be Assertive

According to Work Smart, you should make frequent eye contact with the interviewer, smile and be polite when answering questions. This sort of assertiveness is sought after and often puts the interviewer in the mind frame of being the patient. Would they like to be a patient to a grumpy looking nurse practitioner who makes no eye contact? Or would they prefer a nurse practitioner who smiles, speaks politely and is attentive?

Tip Three - Do Not Discuss Salary

The New York Department of Labor suggests never mentioning salary or benefits during the interview. This is a bit of a tricky one, as interviewers may ask candidates what salary they expect. If this happens in an interview, the best way to answer this question is to say “I’m willing to accept a fair offer based on my education, skill set, and experience.”

Tip Four - Complete the Application Carefully and Legibly

Take time when completing the employment application. Overlooking important questions, putting answers in the wrong fields or writing illegibly can cause the application simply be tossed aside. After all, a person who rushes an application is also likely to rush paperwork, which can cost a hospital money and their reputation.

Tip Five- Answer all Questions Eloquently and To the Point

Do not ramble when answering questions. Take a few seconds to compose your answer before answering. This helps you to avoid rambling or answering a question incorrectly. It also helps to look at websites that contain frequently asked interview questions, and to practice answering these questions before the interview.

Interviews are stressful by nature and some interviewers design them this way to test your patience and assertiveness. Just remember, it isn't personal. It's the interviewer's job to hire the best person for the job and your job is to be the best candidate. Practice these tips from the day you are given the interview time to ensure you have them down. Look in the mirror when you're practicing. Does your body language convey calm and confidence? Are you displaying nervous mannerisms? Remember: practice really does make perfect.